Architectural designer Zeyi Xuan champions sustainability with bamboo-built farmer’s retreat, Home improvements

Architectural Designer Zeyi Xuan Champions Sustainability with Bamboo-Built Farmer’s Retreat

5 March 2025

New York City-based architectural designer Zeyi Xuanis making waves in the industry, not only with her impressive portfolio at Ennead Architects, but also with independent projects that highlight the importance of sustainability and material reuse. Xuan, a Cornell University graduate with a Bachelor of Architecture (2022), is drawing attention to the often-overlooked issue of construction waste with her innovative “Farmer’s Retreat,” a tea pavilion constructed entirely from reclaimed bamboo scaffolding.

Xuan currently works as an Architectural Designer at Ennead Architects, a firm renowned for its transformative architectural designs for public institutions. She has contributed to significant projects such as the Kuwait University Health Sciences campus and the CUNY+NYCPS Science Park and Research Campus in Manhattan. Her commitment to impactful design extends beyond her professional role, as evidenced by her 2022 win in the Sustainable Design Competition with BOSS Zhipin.

The inspiration for the Farmer’s Retreat stemmed from a common sight in China: bamboo scaffolding used on construction sites. Xuan observed that vast quantities of this bamboo, along with bamboo boards, are frequently discarded after a project’s completion. Recognizing the potential for reuse, Xuan embarked on a personal project to address this waste.

“Bamboo scaffolding is a common sight on construction sites in China, but once the project is finished, these bamboo poles and boards are often discarded.” She continues, “By reusing these materials, I designed and built a tea pavilion located in between several farms, working alongside two construction workers.”

The resulting pavilion, nestled amongst farmland, serves as a tranquil respite for local farmers. Constructed solely from reclaimed bamboo, the structure features four main bamboo supports. A gracefully curved roof allows sunlight to filter into the interior, while bamboo board partitions on either side offer protection from the wind. The pavilion provides a space for farmers to rest during long work days or gather after dinner, fostering a sense of community and providing much-needed comfort.

The Farmer’s Retreat goes beyond being a mere shelter; it serves as a compelling statement on the environmental cost of construction waste. “The goal is to raise awareness about material waste,” Xuan explains. “New construction significantly contributes to carbon emissions, much of which is driven by the waste generated on construction sites. Additionally, there is often a lack of attention given to farmers and the challenging environments they work in.”

The project serves as a tangible example of how readily available, discarded materials can be repurposed to create functional and aesthetically pleasing structures. By utilizing traditional building techniques and locally sourced labor, Xuan further minimized the environmental footprint of the Farmer’s Retreat.

Xuan’s dedication to sustainable design extends beyond her independent projects. At Ennead Architects, she plays a crucial role in projects from inception to completion, including design services proposals, client interaction, and consultant oversight/coordination. She also leads project teams and has managed the Construction Administration phase of architectural projects in her earlier career.

Her contributions to major architecture projects for educational institutions are noteworthy. She has been involved with projects at Princeton University, Purdue University, and John Hopkins University, including the Bloomberg Center in Manhattan, which was recognized as one of the “World’s Most Beautiful Campuses” by the Prix Versailles World Architecture and Design Awards 2024. Furthermore, she has worked on award-winning projects recognized by the Architizer A+ Awards, Architecture Masterprize, and the Chicago Athenaeum American Architecture Award.

Zeyi Xuan’s work embodies a commitment to both innovative design and environmental responsibility. The Farmer’s Retreat serves as a compelling example of the potential for creativity and resourcefulness in addressing pressing issues of sustainability within the architectural industry. Her dedication to creating impactful spaces, both in her professional role and through independent projects, positions her as a rising star in the field. Her work prompts a critical examination of construction practices and highlights the importance of considering the needs and well-being of often-overlooked communities.